Book 2: Earth

Chapter 18- A Rock and a Hard Place

The abandoned arena was a wreck, a shell of its former self. In its prime, it would have seen hundreds of Gaoling's finest citizens in the stands, cheering on the latest rounds of Earthrumble and other special events. But now, there was nothing. The bleachers were completely empty, the hard stone seats were covered in weeds and grass, while the walls were crumbled and run down, filled with graffiti and cracks.

In the center of all this, was a large stone platform. The battle scars of the past were still evident on it surface, even if they did fade with age. Explosion and scorch marks littered the area, where the rubble was mixed in with old trophies and banners from days past.

Korra shuffled uneasily as she walked to the center of the platform, led by two metalbenders who had her hands tied with metal cords. It seemed like whatever was about to go on, she didn't have much of a choice in the matter, with an escort of guards always watching her.

If these guys think I'm the Avatar, they could at least loosen these ropes a bit. Korra thought gruffly, the steel cables digging in uneasily at her wrists.

Worse yet, they had confiscated her armor and weapons as well. Rather than wearing the crimson light armor that she had gotten so used to, as well as her trusty jian, the Earth rebels had made her wear some kind of dark green and white earth kingdom uniform. She was told that it was similar to what female Dai Li agents (whatever that meant) from the Earth Kingdom had worn for combat, but it was a lighter sleeveless version, exposing her arms and belly. They also gave her a set of fingerless gloves and a weird earthbending helmet. Unlike the Fire Nation armor she had known throughout her life, this outfit was completely foreign to her, did they really think she was actually an earthbender?!

"I look ridiculous." Korra muttered as she was led to the center of the platform.

"Nonsense, you look just great Twinkletoes." A smug voice echoed behind her, and Korra turned to see her opponent approach her, wearing her full metalbending armor. She was the general, or at least that was what the metal benders around called her. General Bei Fong.

With a simple flick of her wrist, the earthbender had uncoiled the metal cords tying Korra's hands together. As her shackles fell to the ground, she was sorely tempted to Firebend her way out of the arena, starting with the smug blind woman in front of her. But to Korra, it seemed like the rebels had thought of everything. There was a metalbending guard posted at each corner of the ring, while more were stationed around the platform. Although they all stood formally at attention, hands clasped behind their backs, the message was clear to Korra. She wasn't going to be restrained, but it wouldn't take much effort to change that.

Rubbing her sore wrists, Korra turned to Toph in anger. "This is some kind of sick joke right?"

"Nothing's a joke with me." The blind earthbender declared, pointing at Korra. "Here's the thing kid, you're the Avatar, and I'm going to convince you even if I have to beat it out of you."

Korra sighed.

"Well, sorry to disappoint you. But for the last time, I'm not who you think I am. I'm not even an earthbender." Korra snapped, gesturing at her ridiculous green earthbender outfit. "Look, if this is some kind of game, I'd much rather you lock me up right now and stop wasting my time."

"Well you've certainly got the stubborn part of being an earthbender down, I'll give you that." Toph sighed. "This is going to be harder than the first time I taught you." She shook her head in mock disappointment. "Consider it an honor, very few people would get a second chance with me."

Toph gave a grin that seemed to imply something, as if she was expecting Korra to get some kind of joke. What on earth is she talking about?!